Process for preparing methylchlorosilanes

Abstract

Methylchlorosilanes are prepared by reaction of methyl chloride with silicon in the presence of a catalyst combination of copper oxide, zinc oxide and metallic antimony.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A process for preparing methylchlorosilanes by reacting methyl chloride with silicon in the presence of a catalyst combination consisting of copper in the form of copper oxide mixtures of the formula CuO x , where x has a value of 0.6 to 1 or copper (II) oxide, zinc oxide and metallic antimony. 
     
     
       2. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the amount of copper oxide used is from 0.5% to 10% by weight, based on silicon used. 
     
     
       3. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the amount of zinc oxide used is from 0.5% to 60% by weight, based on copper oxide. 
     
     
       4. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the amount of antimony used is from 200 to 8000 ppm, based on copper oxide.